Mental Health Supports

Child Mental Health (SASS) Services:

What Is SASS?

SASS stands for Screening, Assessment and Support Services. SASS provides intensive mental health services for children and youth who may need hospitalization for mental health care. SASS serves children experiencing a mental health crisis. SASS services are available by calling the Crisis and Referral Entry Services (CARES) line.

CARES Line: 1-800-345-9049 (Voice) 1-866-794-0374 (TTY)

What is CARES?

CARES stands for Crisis and Referral Entry Services. CARES is a telephone response service that handles mental health crisis calls for children and youth in Illinois.

When Should CARES be called?

You should call CARES when a child is at risk to himself or others, and any time you or others think a child is having a mental health crisis.

What Is The Purpose of CARES?

CARES links parents, caregivers or callers (i.e. School) to a special screening, assessment and support program known as SASS. CARES will ask questions about the child’s behavior. Then CARES will either send the local SASS to see the child and guardian or refer them to mental health or other services.

Who Can Get SASS Services?

Any child or youth in a mental health crisis who may need public funding through the Illinois All Kids program or Medicaid may receive SASS services. A parent/guardian may check to see if their child can receive SASS services, by calling the CARES crisis line: 1-800-345-9049 (Voice) 1-866-794-0374 (TTY)

SASS will work with the guardian and child for at least 90 days.
If the child goes into the hospital, SASS will join the hospital team to care for the child.
SASS will help the hospital team plan for the child’s return home and will provide services when the child is at home.
If the child does not go into the hospital, SASS will provide mental health services and supports to help the child stay at home.